Photo: Jon SullivanCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Mountain Fivefinger Plant Care
Aristotelia fruticosa Hook.f.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's elliptical leaves are a striking silvery-blue color, adding a unique touch to any garden. Originating from New Zealand, Aristotelia fruticosa is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unusual foliage and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions. Its compact growth habit makes it a versatile addition to any collection.
Every 7–10 days
Partial to full sun
50–80°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Mountain Fivefinger?
Plant Mountain Fivefinger in partial to full sun (USDA zones 8a–9b) and water a young tree every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Mountain Fivefinger Native To?
What Is the Mountain Fivefinger?
Mountain Fivefinger (Aristotelia fruticosa) belongs to the Elaeocarpaceae family within the Aristotelia genus. Mountain Fivefinger is native to New Zealand. Mountain Fivefinger is also known as Shining Fivefinger.
Mountain Fivefinger displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Mountain Fivefinger produces small, white to pink flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Mountain Fivefinger?
Water a young or newly planted Mountain Fivefinger every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Mountain Fivefinger Need?
Mountain Fivefinger thrives in partial to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Mountain Fivefinger Prefer?
Aristotelia fruticosa tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Mountain Fivefinger prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Mountain Fivefinger?
Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Mountain Fivefinger to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Mountain Fivefinger?
Feed Mountain Fivefinger every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Mountain Fivefinger?
Choose a spot with partial to full sun and well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Mountain Fivefinger is suited to USDA Zone 8a – 9b.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Mountain Fivefinger?
Mountain Fivefinger can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 20 ft (6 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Mountain Fivefinger?
Prune Mountain Fivefinger while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.
How Do You Care for a Mountain Fivefinger in Winter?
Mountain Fivefinger is hardy down to USDA zone 8a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.
Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.
Young and container-grown trees need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.
How Do You Propagate a Mountain Fivefinger?
Mountain Fivefinger can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to aristotelia australasica plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Mountain Fivefinger Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Mountain Fivefinger, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Mountain Fivefinger?
Mountain Fivefinger is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Mountain Fivefinger Need?
Mountain Fivefinger grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Mountain Fivefinger is native to New Zealand.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Mountain Fivefinger is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Aristotelia genus (family Elaeocarpaceae) — search all Aristotelia species in the plant lookup.
Mountain Fivefinger thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Aristotelia fruticosa Hook.f., family Elaeocarpaceae (first published in Fl. Nov.-Zel. 1: 34 (1852)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Mountain Fivefinger, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Jon Sullivan, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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